Tiger Woods is capable of rebuilding his career after missing the cut at last week's U.S. Open by 11 shots, according to Henrik Stenson.
An opening round of 80 at Chambers Bay – which included a staggering eight bogeys and one triple-bogey and was Woods' worst at a U.S. Open – set the tone for a player ranked 205th in the world.
Much has been made of the fact that it is now just over seven years since Woods won the last of his 14 majors, the 2008 U.S. Open.
GOLF:Tiger Woods is finished and has been for years.He destroyed himself.Since it's golf it does not matter at all.
— Russ Stevens (@sarss) June 21, 2015
But Stenson – who was joint leader after the first round before eventually finishing tied for 27th – believes the American can get back to his best if he has the determination to match his talent.
"In my book he's the best that's ever played the game," Stenson told Perform.
"I didn't see much of Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer and Gary Player playing, but I just feel the manner he won tournaments and the things that he achieved, he's the best in my book.
"Everyone that saw him play at Chambers Bay felt for him. Yes, he's not in a good place right now with his golf game.
Are we ready to admit that Tiger Woods is finished?
— Mamokgethi Molopyane (@Reagoikanya) June 22, 2015
"I've been there and a lot of my colleagues have been there when we're going through slumps.
"He's just got to battle through it. It's more of a question of if he's got the motivation and energy to do it. If he does, then he can definitely come back.
"He's not finished as a player."
While Woods is battling to restore his reputation heading into next month's Open, Jordan Spieth will arrive at St Andrews halfway to achieving an unprecedented calendar Grand Slam following his success at the Masters and U.S. Open.
History beckons for the 21-year-old Texan and Stenson added: "There's definitely a chance, he's won the first two and you would say he's the hottest player on the planet this season.
"Winning one is tough, winning two in a row is a great achievement.
"He's got a very mature head on young shoulders, he's got a game that hasn't got many weaknesses. He's definitely a player we are going to hear and see about in the future."